Bartender Who Recorded Mitt Romney '47 Percent' Comments Will Explain Why He Did It

The publication of Romney's "47 percent comments," where he claims that portion of the population -- which does not pay federal taxes -- would never vote for him because they are "dependent on government," destroyed his presidential bid. Photo: Reuters

Months after recording an event that some say single-handedly won President Barack Obama’s reelection in November, the source of the infamous “47 percent” video -- in which Mitt Romney is seen speaking candidly to donors at a $50,000-per-plate fundraiser -- will reveal himself.

The anonymous person who filmed the Boca Raton, Fla., fundraiser last year is apparently a bartender with a local catering company. He will reveal his identity on Wednesday night in an hourlong interview with MSNBC’s “The Ed Show.”

But it’s not the first media outlet the source has spoken to. In an interview with the Huffington Post published on Tuesday (the publication withheld his name), the source said it was actually former President Bill Clinton, not Obama, who inspired him to release the video that may have decided the election.

The man, who tended bar for a company that catered to a high-end clientele, had previously worked at a fundraiser at a home where Clinton spoke. After Clinton addressed guests, the man recalled, the former president came back to the kitchen and thanked the staff, the waiters, the bartenders, the busboys and everyone else involved in putting the event together. He shook hands, took photos, signed autographs and praised the meal -- all characteristic of the former president.

When the bartender learned he would be working at Romney's fundraiser, his first thought was to bring his camera, in case he had a chance to get a photo with the presidential candidate.

Romney, of course, did not speak to any of the staff, bussers or waiters. He was late to the event and rushed out. He told his dinner guests that the event was off the record but never bothered to repeat the admonition to the people working there.

Although he said he never intended to distribute the video, the source said he felt it was a “civic duty” after hearing Romney’s disparaging comments about the poorer half of the electorate.

The video was ultimately discovered on YouTube by James Carter, who happens to be former President Jimmy Carter’s grandson. Carter than provided the content to Mother Jones, where it went viral.

In an attempt to prevent the person from committing suicide, Avleen K. Mokha in her Facebook post wrote, "Don't go ahead with this tonight. There's more in life to look forward to beyond tonight. Please be there to see it."